This weekend in the Premier League

1. Can Manchester City further close the gap on United?

Manchester United now need just six points from their final five games to clinch the Premier League title following Wednesday night's 2-2 draw West Ham.

A goal apiece from Antonio Valencia and Robin van Persie saved United's blushes at Upton Park as they struggled for long periods to replicate the form which has put them within touching distance of a record-breaking 20th league crown.

This weekend's opponents are Aston Villa with Paul Lambert's side improving drastically of late - right at the perfect time.

BET OF THE WEEKEND

Jim Knight, Goal.com Betting Editor

Back-to-back wins away from home will give Paul Lambert's side confidence that they can escape relegation this season but a trip to Manchester United could be a tough assignment for the visitors to profit from.

Goals have been a feature of Villa's games of late and the likes of Christian Benteke and Charles N'Zogbia mean they will still pose a threat to the United backline.

United overcame struggling Stoke 2-0 on Sunday to leave Manchester City looking for more straws to clutch in their own bid to win the title, but a hard-fought 1-0 win over fellow FA Cup finalists Wigan has seen hopes edge higher in their bid to halt a seemingly imminent title win for the Old Trafford outfit.

"I have to respect the club, Manchester United. But of course I want to start more," Chicharito was quoted as saying. "It is frustrating. All the players in the world want to start every single game, every week."

City, meanwhile, prepare to face fifth-placed Tottenham - who will be gunning to take advantage of Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Everton on Tuesday. A win for City over a team they have not failed to beat since 2010 and won 5-1 in the same fixture last term will have a large impact on the race for a top-four spot.

"He has got a problem, but it was a slight problem," first-team coach David Platt told reporters. "It was more of a precaution than anything else. Just the sheer proximity of the game on Sunday would say he is a doubt."

Luckily, fellow Argentine Carlos Tevez has been in fine form of late, including netting the winner on Wednesday night, and is expected to deputise in north London.